Updated November 25, 2022
Background
David GILLAM, son of Charles GILLIAM and Jemima Harris, his wife, was born about 1775. David is mentioned in the Will of his grandfather, Nathaniel Harris, and his mother Jemima GILLIAM. He married Lucy. His Will mentions children: Harris and Rebecca. It is believed he also had daughter Jemima who married Abram P. Pool [Pettypool] and possibly one other daughter according to census records. Lucy is found living with Jemima Pool in 1850.
The last Will and Testament of David GILLAM of the District of Abbeville witnesseth, that he is of sound mind and disposing memory and has thought proper to make the following assignment and distribution of this effects (viz)
1st It is my Will and desire that as soon as practicable after my decease, that a sufficiency of my personal estate he sold as may be necessary for the payment of my just debts and that my executors select the kind of property which can best be spared.
2d. It is my will that each of my children have a cow and calf and a bed and furniture as that may arrive at age or marry; and that my son Harrie GILLAM have choice of the bedstead among my house hold furniture
3d It is my will; that al the balance of my estate both real and personal, be kept subject to the control and management of my executors, for the support of my wife and my daughter Rebecca GILLAM _______________________ and should my wife survive until Rebecca shall arrive at age or marry, it is my will that the property then left to their enjoyment should be equally divided between them either by sale or division which said share shall go to my said daughter Rebecca GILLAM, to her and the lawful heirs of her body forever
Or should my said wife die before Rebecca should become of age or marry, the portion or share of said property above allotted to her shall then be set apart to her in the way and manner above directed.
It is my Will that the property above willed to my wife during her natural life, shall at her death be sold, and equally divided among my children (Except Rebecca whose part has been before divided) to them and the lawful heirs of their body forever.
Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend James GILLAM and Robert C. GILLIAM executors of this my last Will and Testament.
Given under my hand and seal this 12th day of March AD 1838
Sig: David GILLAM
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
R. Boulware, James Owens, James GILLAM
Sources
- Newberry District, Estate Packet: Box 41, Pkg. 925
- The South Carolina Department of Archives and History Web Site, SC Archives Series Number: S108093, Reel: 0003, Frame: 00271, Item: 00